Nadal takes first step towards the 7th Roland Garros title

World no.2 Rafael Nadal started his Roland Garros title defence in style as he crushed Italy’s Simone Bolelli 6-2 6-2 6-1 and moved into the second round.

With this win, Nadal improved his French Open record to 46-1 and he will be eager to go down in history as the only tennis player to win this Grand Slam 7 times (improving Bjorn Borg’s record of 6 titles).

The Spaniard made quick work of the Italian, breaking him 7 times on a hot Tuesday afternoon and cruising to a comfortable victory in 1 hour and 58 minutes.

Next up for Nadal will be Denis Istomin of Uzbekistan, who overcame Russsia’s Igor Kunitsyn in a very similar manner to that of the Spaniard’s, winning 6-2 6-1 6-2.